Citizen Services
Traveling to Guatemala
Arrests of Americans
Consuls cannot get a U.S. citizen out of jail; when you are in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws. Consuls may only work on a prisoner's behalf with the local authorities if they believe that the American citizen is being treated differently than the other prisoners. They can provide a list of local attorneys, visit the prisoner at regular intervals, and contact the prisoner's family and friends. Consular officers can also transfer money, food, and clothing from the prisoner's family and friends.